Emma Pritchard, Clarence Valley Independent

A rags to riches story with a special Clarence Valley connection wrote itself into local sporting folklore in less than 20 seconds on June 21 at the Grafton Greyhound Racing Club when speed sensation Badger’s Beast set a new race record and dominated his rivals to win the $40000 Ladbrokes Thunderbolt, the richest short course race in the world over 350m.

It was music to their ears when they were officially announced as members of the Regional Youth Orchestra (RYO) of NSW, and now, Clarence Valley Conservatorium students Oscar Woods, Tessa Darby, Casey Palmer, and Toby Smidt are preparing to head overseas on June 29 to perform at some of the world’s most renowned venues as part of the 2025 Europe Tour.

Close to 50 names are inscribed on the Truck Driver’s Memorial Wall in South Grafton, a local monument situated alongside the Big River Way ... many expressing their horror via social media at the shocking volumes of rubbish including discarded shopping trolleys, dirty clothing, and general household waste, littering the site.

It only opened in Grafton Shoppingworld less than a fortnight ago, but Australian owned and operated food warehouse Fresh & Save is already proving to be extremely popular with Clarence Valley shoppers.

“It’s a call to connection, to courage, and to conversation.” That’s how Councillor Cristie Yager described the second Notice of Motion she put forward ... “We must be strong enough together to admit when we get it wrong, and to keep trying until we get it right, because the only time things truly fail is when we stop trying.”

It was over within two hours. There were no adjournments, minimal disruptions, and a quiet sense amongst several members of the public seated in the gallery that the first progressive steps towards restoring trust and transparency between Clarence Valley Council (CVC) and the local community following weeks of tense backlash were taken during the monthly Ordinary Meeting of CVC in Maclean on May 15.

Kevin Hogan has retained the electorate of Page for The Nationals following the 2025 Federal Election, which was dominated by a landslide victory to Labor … Describing himself as very humbled to be re-elected with an increase in his primary vote, Mr Hogan is commencing his fifth term as the Federal Member for Page ... Mr Hogan remains steadfast in his commitment to ensuring the voices of regional communities are heard in Canberra ...

Ordinary and Extraordinary Meetings of Clarence Valley Council (CVC) could proceed in the future with limited public attendance after CVC Mayor Ray Smith spoke of his plans to contact the Office of Local Government this week ... The decision was made at the conclusion of another 15-minute adjournment while members of the public and Clarence Valley Independent journalist Emma Pritchard were outside the Grafton Council Chambers.

Standing proudly alongside one another, thousands of Clarence Valley residents attended Dawn Services and Commemoration Services across the region on Anzac Day to pay tribute on the 110th anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli in 1915 during WWI while also remembering the countless Australians who served, and sadly lost their lives, in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations through the years.

With the Aboriginal flag held in front of them, signs in their hands, and expressions of anger and disbelief on their faces, proud Yaegl, Bundjalung, and Gumbaynggirr men, women, and children, had a clear message they wanted to deliver during the monthly Ordinary Meeting of Clarence Valley Council (CVC) last week.